Switch stand



J. KIEREN SWITCH STAND March 31, 1931.

Filed June 16, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet. 3

Patented Mar. 31, 1931 .JOSEPH KIEREN, A01." GILBERT, MINNESOTA i SWITCH STAND Application ledJune 16,

This invention appertains to railway switch mechanism and more particularly to a signal and lock means associated with the switch stand, whereby to indicate beyond 5 peradventure of doubt when the switch is locked or unlocked.

The invention provides a signal, preferably electric, which is brought into action when the switch is unlocked and remains active until the switch is locked, said signal being by preference visual, and positioned for unobstructed yobservation by the engineer or operator of an approaching train.

The invention contemplates a signal in- '15 eluded in an electric circuit which iscon trolled by -ra key to a llock mechanism associated with the switch throwing `member to secure it when the `switch is properly thrown.

AWVhifle the drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment ofthe invention it is to be understood that in adapting the means to meet speci-fic needsa-nd requirements, the design may be varied and changes in the minor details'of construction may be resorted to with- 215 in the scope of the invention as claimed, without departing `from the-spirit thereot.

For :a full understandingof the invention and the merits thereof, reference is to be had to lthe following description and the drawings hereto attached, in which:

. Figure lis a perspective of a switch stand embodying the invention.

Figure 2is an kenlarged fragmentary .sectional view. v

Figu-re 3 is a detail sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure-4 isa side view :of va switch lockand coacting signal, `showing .the lock bolt projected into locking engagement and the signal circuit broken.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, showing the lock bolt retracted land the signalv .circuit closed.

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view on the line 6 6 of Figure v4.

Figure '7 is a perspective view of a Vmodiied form of lock casing, the cover `plate and lock mechanism being removed.

Figure 8 is a side view of the modified form of lock and signal, the cover plate be! 1930. Serial No. 461,606.

ing omitted, showing the relation of the parts when the bolt is projected.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 showing the position of the partsv when the bolt is withdrawn.

Figure l0 is a transverse sectional view on the line 10-10 of Figure 8, looking to the left as indicated by the arrows.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the following description and designated in the several views of the drawings byv like reference characters.v i

The numeral 1 designates a conventional form of switch stand of the open type and 2 the mast mounted therein and provided withv a crank .arm 3 which 'is connectedvby means of bar 4 with the switch to be` operatedf These parts maybe of any approved construction .and are illustrated to demonstrate the application of the invention. A collare or like part is secured to the mast 2 and the switch throwing lever 6 is pivoted thereto and adapted to engage notches 7 in the top l of the switch stand to hold the switch in the desired position. A lock mechanism is attached to the collar 5 and serves to secure the switch throwing member 6 against movement when the switch is thrown and the part en# gaged with one or the other of the notches. The lock mechanism maybe of any determinate construction andinclurdes a casing 8 yin which the lock mechanism is housed. The casing 8 may be secured to the collar 5 in any substantial manner. rlhe lock mechanism includes a bolt 9 and tumbler l() which are adapted to"be actuated by means of a'key 11. A stop 12 limits the rotation of the key when the bolt 9 is fully retracted, as indicated most clearly in Figure 5 of the drawings. This precludes withdrawal of the key from the lock until returned to normal position for insertion or withdrawal from the lock. l/Vhen the lever 6 engages either one of the notches 7 an opening in the pivotal end thereof is positioned opposite and in line with the bolt 9 which, when project-ed, enters said opening and locks the lever 6, as indicated most clearly in Figure 3 of the drawings. Itis necessary :to retract the bolt 9 to release the lever 6 before the latter can be moved to throw the' 100 switch and when the switch is thrown the lever 6 occupies a position opposite one or the other of the notches 7 and may be swung downwardly into engagement therewith and locked by projecting the bolt 9 as herein described.

A signal mechanism is associated with the switch stand and is controlled by the lock mechanism, said signal being active when the switch is unlocked and inactive when the switch is properly thrown and locked. This signal is electrically actuated and is visual and contemplates a red light which is prominently displayed to be readily observed by the engineer or operator of an approaching train. rIhe signal includes a lantern 13 or casing` provided in its sides with openings in which are fitted lenses or plates. A lamp bulb 1-1 is disposed within the lantern or casing 13 and is included in an electric circuit. rEhe signal emits red rays symbolical of danger. The current may be derived from a suitable source, according to conditions. It convenient, the current may be obtained from a service line and in the absence thereof, a battery 15 may be utilized. A case 16 houses the battery 15 and is attached to the mast 2, one pole of the battery being grounded to the mast and a conductor 17 leading from the other pole and connecting with a strip 1S mounted upon the lock bolt 9 and electrically insulated therefrom. A Contact 19 is connected with or forms a part ot the conducting means 18. Aspring contact 20 is connected to the casing 8 and is connected by a conductor 21 to a spring contact 22 likewisevconnected to the casing 8 and engaging a terminal .of the lamp filament, the other terminal of the lamp filament being grounded to the casing 8. WVhile the contacts 2O and 22 are connected to thecasing 8, they are electrically insulated therefrom. When the bolt 9 is projected into locking engagement with the switch throwing member 6, the sigy nal circuit is broken, as indicated most clearly in Figure 4 of the drawings. When the bolt 9 is retracted orwithdrawn from locking engagement with the switch. throwing member 6, the signal circuit is closed, as indicated most clearly in Figure 5 of the drawings, thereby indicating that the switch is not locked, even though it may be properly thrown. It is observed that the key may not be withdrawn from the lock when the bolt 9 is retracted and for the trainman to obtain the key, it is necessary to project the bolt 9. Should the switch not be properly thrown and locked, the blame may be readily Xed. Should the switch be properly thrown but not locked, the signal light will be displayed, thereby serving as a warning to the approaching train that the switch is not locked.

In the modified form of lock, a block 23 is provided and is mounted in guides 24 and in one position, engages a shoulder 25 of the bolt 9 and holds the latter in retracted position. The block 23 is urged laterally by means of a spring 26 and is formed with a projection 27 adapted to operate in an opening formed in the cover plate 29. When the bolt 9 is withdrawn by use of thekey 11, it isv held retracted by the block 23 engaging the stop shoulder 25. The key 11 may be withdrawn Jfrom .the lock and when it is required `to project the bolt into operative position,

the block 23 is pressed inwardly and clears Vthe stop shoulder 25, thereby permitting the ings.

As shown most clearly in Figure `7 of the drawings, the lock casing is of integral construction, thereby obviating thelformation of joints and the use of fastening means.y The stop pin 12, key pin 31, guide pin 32, and guides 24, form a part of the lock casing as well as the face plate, theback plate, and enclosing walls. The pin 32 operates in a longitudinal slot 84 formed in the body of the bolt 9. Y

1What is claimed is: I ,y

1. The combination with a switch stand and a switch throwing member, lof a lock mechanism including a lock bolt for securing the switch throwing member to lock the switch in adjusted position, and a signal controlled by thelock bolt and active when the lock bolt is projected to lock the switch throwing member and inactive when the lock bolt is etracted to relase the switch throwing memer. I

2. The combination with a switchstand and a switch throwing member, of a lock mechanism including a bolt adapted to be projected into locking engagement with the switch throwingmember to .lock the switch, and a signal ,light included in a circut'which is adapted to be closedwhen the lock bolt is projected and broken when the lock bolt is retracted.

3. The combination with a switch stand and a switch throwing member, of a lock mechanism including a bolt adapted to be projected into locking engagement with the switch throwing member to lock the switch, and a signal light included in a circuit having a part mounted upon the lock bolt and movable therewith to close the circuitwhen the bolt is withdrawn and to close the circuit when the lbolt is projected into locking'engagement with the switch throwing member to lock the switch in adjusted position.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature.

JOSEPH' KIEREN. [Ls] v -llO 

